EVENT: Green Enterprise Mela

WHEN: 30 January 2018

WHERE: Hotel Chanakya, Patna, Bihar

Organised by: Development Alternatives & Indian Micro Enterprises Development Foundation

The discussions and dialogue focussed on concepts and the practical applicability of fly ash bricks, enterprise development, and fly ash (a waste) as a raw material that can contribute towards transitioning to a resource resilient India.

The event witnessed participation from 111 participants from diverse groups including existing and potential fly ash entrepreneurs, regulators and policy makers, civil society, technology providers, builders and contractors, banks and fly ash associations. Many of the eminent speakers expressed their deep concern regarding fly ash utilization and the immediate need for developing a supportive ecosystem to promote fly ash bricks in Bihar.

The speakers were confident that the prime objective of promoting fly ash bricks in Bihar can be achieved through transformative action on technological, economic, regulatory and behavioural changes.

Structure of the sessions

• Inaugural session with a welcome address from Dr. Naveen Kumar, Assistant Scientific Officer, Bihar State Pollution Control Board (BSPCB)

• Fly Ash Availability and Procurement

• Fly Ash Bricks: Manufacturing Process and Alternatives to Sand

• Financing an Enterprise

• Fly Ash Manufacturing Technology

• Fly Ash Bricks: How to market and where to sell

• Relevance of Quality of Building Material

• Support Services for New Entrepreneurs and Existing Manufacturers

• Open Discussion

Conclusion

The response towards the mela was overwhelming with government representatives, policy makers, banks and fly ash entrepreneurs actively participating in the sessions. The concerns of fly ash brick making industry which were relatively lesser known to the masses were explained in a simple manner with business examples suggesting the applicability of these concepts to daily operations. A key highlight of the event was the understanding that the issue at hand is not just about material security of supply, but rather the impact that this consumption has on the rest of the ecosystem.

Download proceedings document here.